Lauren Winfield-Hill has backed South Africa to win the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup, following their run of three consecutive ICC finals and the unretirements of two senior players.
Speaking on the Wisden Women's Cricket Weekly podcast ahead of the tournament, Winfield-Hill said South Africa had a "great chance" of winning the title.
"I'm really fancying South Africa," said Winfield-Hill. "It's the story for me, it's the narrative, the nearly misses and the old girls getting back together. It's the last dance story...It wouldn't be an upset [if they won], I think they've got a real chance."
South Africa have reached three World Cup finals across formats since 2023. They made the final of the 2023 Women's T20 World Cup at home, where they lost to Australia, before reaching the 2024 T20 World Cup final against New Zealand. They also finished as runners-up to India in the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup.
They enter the 2026 T20 World Cup in a difficult group alongside Australia and India, with only two teams progressing to the semi-finals. The group also includes Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Netherlands.
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South Africa have also been boosted by the return of Shabnim Ismail and Dane van Niekerk to their ranks. Both retired from international cricket following the 2023 T20 World Cup, but both reversed their decisions before this tournament.
"I think Van Nierkerk is a different addition to Shabs [Ismail]," said Winfield-Hill. "I think Shabs coming in definitely strengthens the side significantly, and I think her reputation, her passion, her first gives them a bit of zest, gives them more.
"I don't think necessarily the inclusion of Dane gives them a lot more than what could potentially disrupt them. When you talk about why South Africa potentially haven't got a trophy in the cabinet, it's probably been their bowling attack. They can out-bat any side with their batting lineup. But it has been their bowling attack where adding Shabs in makes their chances greater."
The return of both players creates a selection dilemma, with both players having not played international cricket for several years – van Niekerk since 2021. Ismail was expensive in the warm-up games, while van Niekerk returned a top score of 12.
South Africa, though, have looked strong in the build-up. They come into the tournament after a series win over India, adding to a run of results that has kept them among the leading sides in the format.
Laura Wolvaardt remains central to their batting and leadership, while Tazmin Brits has been one of their most important top-order players in recent years. Kapp gives them experience with both bat and ball, while Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk and Nonkululeko Mlaba have all been part of South Africa's run to recent ICC finals.
South Africa will open their campaign in Group B, where their fixtures against Australia and India will have a major bearing on the semi-final race.
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